Puts the client’s needs first
A good investment professional or adviser always puts his/her client’s needs first. During your meeting, pay attention to the process he/she takes in advising you. Listen whether he/she—

• aims to get a full picture of your circumstances and needs
• asks you a lot of questions
• does research
• declares any interests or affiliations with companies, products and services that may give rise to conflict of interests.

Some novice investors may wonder, “Will I be able to get the same amount of attention from my investment professional or adviser if I invest in small amounts?”. The answer is a resounding YES! Regardless of the size of investment, you should get the same amount of attention from your investment professional or adviser. How regular your investment professional or adviser keeps in touch with you will be a good indication of whether he/she is treating you fairly.

High professional standards
First impression counts very much. How your investment professional or adviser presents himself/herself and conducts the meeting is an indication of his/her professionalism. It is important to choose someone whom you are comfortable with and gives you the confidence that he/she is good at his/her job.

It would be helpful to find an investment professional or adviser who suits your investing style or personality. If you want him/her as a business partner, select one who is not an order taker but one who has an investment philosophy that matches yours, is objective when under pressure and acts in your best interest.

A good investment professional or adviser is also responsive and keeps in touch with the latest economic developments . You should also ask if he/she keeps himself/herself updated professionally by attending courses or training programmes.

Fees and other charges
Just like doctors and mechanics, investment professionals or advisers do impose a fee for their services or advice. It would be good to iron out the initial charges, professional fees or other costs that may incur early and have this in writing to avoid any dispute later on. You must get your investment professional or adviser to list down the fees and charges, and ask him/her to explain each item clearly. You have the right to know what you are paying for and should get the standard of service that is in line with the amount paid.

No one investment professional or adviser suits every investor. Investment professionals or advisers are different from one another and the same applies to investors. As an investor, you should be aware of the possibility that your investment professional or adviser may not suit your investment style or his/her standard of service fails to meet your needs. If you are not happy with your current investment professional, you have the option to switch to another.

In conclusion, investment professionals or advisers should assist and/or guide you in making decisions. They cannot make the investment decision on your behalf because the final decision investment decision lies with you as an investor. As such, you must play your role as an investor. This implies that you must know what you want from your investments, be aware of the risks you are prepared to take and equip yourself with the relevant knowledge.

If you need to verify whether the financial planner/investment adviser’s or remisier’s licence is authentic, call the Licensing Department of the Securities Commission at 603–6204 8000.